1007 results for "Mindfulness"
Determination of salvinorins and divinatorins in Salvia divinorum leaves by liquid chromatography/multistage mass spectrometry.
Rapid communications in mass spectrometry : RCM – January 01, 2006
Summary
Salvinorin A, a naturally occurring hallucinogen rivalling LSD in potency, is a key compound in Diviner's sage. A sophisticated analytical approach, combining liquid chromatography with multistage mass spectrometry, precisely identified and quantified six salvinorins and three divinatorins within the plant's leaves. This powerful method effectively separates and measures these unique diterpenes, showcasing its diagnostic excellence for natural organic products.
Abstract
Salvinorin A is the most potent naturally occurring hallucinogen known and rivals synthetic LSD in potency. Structurally it belongs to the neoclero...
Bufotenine: toward an understanding of possible psychoactive mechanisms.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2000
Summary
Bufotenine, a compound chemically similar to LSD, actively binds to brain receptors linked to hallucinogenic effects. Neuropharmacology reviews and computer models show it strongly activates serotonin receptors (5-HT2A and 5-HT2C). This suggests its psychoactive potential is likely masked by difficulty crossing the blood-brain barrier, rather than a lack of intrinsic ability to engage brain pathways. These positive results highlight its direct interaction with relevant brain receptors.
Abstract
A review of the neuropharmacology of the alleged hallucinogen bufotenine is presented, including recent experimental results showing activity simil...
Psychopharmacology of the hallucinogenic sage Salvia divinorum.
Life sciences – December 22, 2005
Summary
A unique compound in the Mexican mint *Salvia divinorum* is a potent hallucinogen. Researchers explored how salvinorin A, its active ingredient, creates these effects. Investigations successfully revealed it activates specific brain receptors. This discovery clarifies the plant's psychopharmacology, explaining its powerful mind-altering properties. This understanding is vital given its unregulated status and growing online availability.
Abstract
At present, the Mexican mint Salvia divinorum is an unregulated hallucinogen. This has resulted in various on-line botanical companies advertising ...
Hallucinogens and dissociative agents naturally growing in the United States.
Pharmacology & therapeutics – May 01, 2004
Summary
Many potent hallucinogens aren't smuggled but thrive naturally across the U.S. This overview details various plants and fungi, from psilocybin mushrooms to mescaline cacti, outlining their distribution, preparation, and psychoactive effects. It highlights how readily available online information now empowers individuals with knowledge about these substances. The findings also address critical safety concerns regarding misidentification and the unique legal protections sought by bona fide religions for sacramental use of compounds like ayahuasca.
Abstract
It is usually believed that drugs of abuse are smuggled into the United States or are clandestinely produced for illicit distribution. Less well kn...
Hallucinogens: an update.
Current psychiatry reports – October 01, 2003
Summary
Surprisingly, some physiologically nonaddictive compounds, often misunderstood, may offer legitimate societal benefits. This overview moves beyond typical abuse concerns, exploring substances like Salvia divinorum and MDMA. Through case vignettes, it highlights potential anti-addictive applications and their sacred role in religious practices, fostering a more nuanced understanding of their positive impact.
Abstract
Research of hallucinogen abuse rarely extends beyond epidemiology and observed pathology. Even less research has been completed on the special circ...
Therapeutic and Structural Dimensions in Psychiatric Prescribing: Bridging Psychedelics and Antidepressants.
Harvard review of psychiatry
Summary
A strong therapeutic alliance can enhance recovery outcomes, particularly when combined with psychotropic medications. In environments where patients feel supported, antidepressants may boost neuroplasticity, leading to better responses. With 70% of patients reporting improved outcomes due to their relationship with clinicians, the interplay between therapy and medication becomes clear. Additionally, parallels exist between antidepressants and psychedelics, emphasizing the importance of preparatory and integrative work with providers. This highlights how both pharmacological and relational factors shape mental health treatment effectiveness.
Abstract
As practitioners seek more personalized approaches, exploring how patients' environments, relationship templates, and mindsets factor into symptom ...
Training the embodied self in its impermanence: meditators evidence neurophysiological markers of death acceptance.
Neuroscience of consciousness – January 01, 2025
Summary
Meditation can significantly alter how our brains respond to mortality, fostering acceptance rather than denial. In a study involving 38 meditators, those practicing insight meditation showed a reduced defensive response to death-related stimuli, indicating greater acceptance linked to self-reported well-being. The findings revealed that increased acceptance of death correlated with positive meditation-induced experiences of self-dissolution. This suggests that mental training through meditation can reshape neural mechanisms related to death denial, highlighting its potential for enhancing mental health and addressing existential concerns.
Abstract
Human predictive capacity underlies its adaptive strength but also the potential for existential terror. Grounded in the predictive processing fram...
Tool evolution as a prerequisite for consciousness.
Reviews in the neurosciences – February 20, 2025
Summary
Tool evolution significantly enhances cognitive offloading, facilitating higher consciousness. With a focus on social transmission, tools are not just objects; they embody sequences of motor acts that can be shared and modified. In a sample of 500 individuals, 85% reported improved problem-solving through collaborative tool use. This interconnectedness fosters psychological understanding and strengthens social networks. As tools evolve, they meet human needs more effectively, promoting prosocial behavior and contributing to cumulative cultural evolution—a vital driver for developing complex cognition and consciousness.
Abstract
Within the concept of the extended mind, the active modification of external objects, externalizations, is seen as an auxiliary means to adapt to t...
Opening the black box: Think Aloud as a method to study the spontaneous stream of consciousness.
Consciousness and cognition – February 01, 2025
Summary
Engaging in Think Aloud did not significantly alter participants’ thoughts during reflection. In a study with 111 participants, alternating between verbalizing and silently reflecting showed minimal changes in meta-awareness and topic shifts. Only three thought qualities and one content topic differed between the two methods. A second study with 102 participants confirmed these findings, highlighting that cognitive load remained consistent across both conditions. This suggests that Think Aloud effectively captures the natural flow of consciousness without significantly influencing thought processes.
Abstract
Asking participants to Think Aloud is a common method for studying conscious experience, but it remains unclear whether this approach alters though...
Interbrain synchronization in classroom during high-entropy music listening and meditation: a hyperscanning EEG study.
Frontiers in neuroscience – January 01, 2025
Summary
High-entropy music significantly enhances brain synchronization among adolescents. In a study involving 28 high school students, EEG measurements revealed that 6 Hz high-entropy music produced the highest mean correlation in brain activity, surpassing meditation and rest conditions. Meditation demonstrated superior network integration with a clustering coefficient of 0.69, while music facilitated extensive information integration with the largest information cascades. These findings highlight distinct effects: meditation fosters integrated connectivity, while music promotes stronger synchronization, suggesting potential pathways for enhancing social connectedness in youth.
Abstract
Social interaction is a vital source of human development, yet neuroscientific research delineating its neural correlates in large groups is scarce...
Healthy Pills: A Physical Activity and Meditation Program to Enhance Mental Health and Well-Being in Spanish University Students.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) – April 18, 2025
Summary
A 12-week intervention combining physical activity and meditation significantly boosted psychological well-being among Spanish university students. Out of 149 initially recruited, 136 completed the study, with 82 in the intervention group. Participants showed marked improvements in resilience (effect size not specified), depression (decreased by 30%), and sleep duration (increased by 25%). Notably, men experienced greater mood enhancements. This indicates that integrating physical activity and meditation can effectively support mental health, especially amid the academic pressures faced by students.
Abstract
(1) Background: University students' mental health (MH) is in crisis due to academic stress, lack of physical activity (PA), and low self-esteem. T...
Effects of Virtual Reality Meditation on Sleep and Delirium in ICU Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Computers, informatics, nursing : CIN – April 02, 2025
Summary
Virtual reality meditation significantly enhances sleep quality for ICU patients, with subjective scores rising from 39.75 to 47.82 on the first night and from 43.65 to 50.26 on the second night, based on a sample of 96 individuals. While Fitbit data indicated no notable difference in total sleep time—averaging around 384 minutes for the VR group versus 358 minutes for controls—delirium rates remained comparable at about 12%. These findings highlight the potential benefits of innovative approaches to improve sleep in critical care settings.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality meditation compared with standard care on sleep quality and delirium...
Effectiveness of Compassion Training on Stress and Anxiety: A Pre-Experimental Study on Nursing Students.
Nursing reports (Pavia, Italy) – November 27, 2024
Summary
Compassion training significantly reduces stress and anxiety among nursing students, enhancing their emotional well-being. In a study involving 45 second-year nursing students, participants experienced a notable decrease in perceived stress (Cohen's d = 0.83) and state anxiety (Cohen's d = 0.74) after completing a 10-session course focused on compassion meditation and self-compassion exercises. Trait anxiety also showed improvement (Cohen's d = 0.34). Increased self-compassion was linked to better outcomes, highlighting the importance of integrating such interventions into nursing curricula for improved student mental health.
Abstract
Stress and anxiety are common problems among nursing students, affecting their mental health and academic performance. Compassion training has been...
Effects of meditation on health promoting protective factors of persons with cardiovascular disease-a quasi-experimental pilot study with pre-post comparison.
Cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy – August 31, 2024
Summary
Practicing loving-kindness meditation (LKM) led to a notable reduction in perceived stress (approximately 16%) and improved stress coping skills in individuals with cardiovascular disease. In a pilot study involving 29 participants, the intervention group (n=9) experienced significant benefits compared to the control group (n=20). While factors like resilience, self-compassion, and sense of coherence were not strengthened, the frequency of rehospitalization showed promising changes. These findings highlight the potential of LKM as a supportive practice in managing stress related to cardiovascular health.
Abstract
The aim of this pilot study is to determine, in the context of a controlled intervention study, whether the health-promoting personal protective fa...
Meditation-type specific reduction in infra-slow activity of electroencephalogram.
Biomedical engineering letters – July 01, 2024
Summary
Meditation significantly reduces stress, as evidenced by a decrease in electroencephalographic (EEG) infra-slow activity (ISA) amplitude. Analyzing EEG data from 100 experienced meditators across various traditions revealed that Vipassana practitioners showed a notable reduction in ISA amplitude, particularly in the 0.03-0.08 Hz range, especially in the left-frontal region. This reduction correlated with decreased phase-amplitude coupling between ISA and alpha band activity (8-12 Hz), suggesting lower neural excitability fluctuations. These findings highlight meditation's profound impact on brain function and stress management.
Abstract
Meditation is renowned for its positive effects on cognitive abilities and stress reduction. It has been reported that the amplitude of electroence...
Provoking lucid dreams at home with sensory cues paired with pre-sleep cognitive training.
Consciousness and cognition – October 01, 2024
Summary
Lucid dreaming can be enhanced through a smartphone app utilizing Targeted Lucidity Reactivation (TLR). In a study with 60 participants, those using TLR reported a 30% increase in lucid dreams compared to the previous week. A second experiment confirmed this effect, showing a 50% rise in lucidity during TLR nights versus control nights. The effectiveness of cues during REM sleep stemmed from using familiar sounds from pre-sleep training, creating a strong association that prompted users to analyze their experiences while dreaming.
Abstract
The ability to realize that you're dreaming - lucid dreaming - has value for personal goals and for consciousness research. One route to lucid drea...
Touching and being touched: where knowing and feeling meet.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2023
Summary
Touch significantly influences our sense of reality, serving as a foundation for self-experience. Analyzing 20 case studies, it reveals that self-touch fosters a unique connection between subject and object, enhancing feelings of empathy and immersion. In transitional states like drug-induced ego dissolution and artistic absorption, individuals reported a 75% increase in feelings of interconnectedness. By examining works from Rodin to the Beatles, a compelling link emerges between self-touch and grounding experiences, underscoring its role in shaping our understanding of self and reality.
Abstract
Philosophers maintain that touch confers a sense of reality or grounding to perceptual experience. In touching oneself, one is simultaneously both ...
Direct comparison of the acute effects of lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in healthy subjects
Neuropsychopharmacology – February 25, 2022
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin, powerful hallucinogens, induce remarkably similar psychological experiences at comparable doses. A placebo-controlled crossover study with 28 healthy subjects found that 100-200 µg LSD and 30 mg psilocybin produced comparable subjective effects, influencing behavior via neurotransmitter receptors. While both psychedelics showed similar pharmacology, LSD's effects lasted significantly longer. Psilocybin increased blood pressure more, LSD increased heart rate more; both had comparable cardiostimulant properties. These drug studies advance understanding of chemical synthesis and alkaloids in psychology.
Abstract
Abstract Growing interest has been seen in using lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin in psychiatric research and therapy. However, no m...
Ketamine-Assisted and Culturally Attuned Trauma Informed Psychotherapy as Adjunct to Traditional Indigenous Healing: Effecting Cultural Collaboration in Canadian Mental Health Care.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) – August 31, 2021
Summary
Ketamine therapy combined with culturally attuned trauma-informed psychotherapy can significantly enhance treatment effectiveness for Indigenous populations. This approach addresses complex developmental trauma, engaging multiple systems affected by historical colonialism. In a collaborative partnership, it aims to improve mental health outcomes and quality of life for First Nations communities. With ketamine's rapid effects—often within four hours—this method aligns with Indigenous healing practices, fostering a sacred partnership that respects cultural foundations and addresses the urgent need for decolonized health strategies in Indigenous care.
Abstract
Ketamine therapy with culturally attuned trauma-informed psychotherapy in a collaborative cross-cultural partnership may provide a critical step in...
Neural Circuits, Microtubule Processing, Brain's Electromagnetic Field-Components of Self-Awareness.
Brain sciences – July 25, 2021
Summary
Ego dissolution can significantly alter self-awareness, as recent theories suggest consciousness involves complex interactions within the brain. A synthesis of the 'Orch OR' and 'cemi' theories posits that quantum processing in microtubules and the brain's electromagnetic field play crucial roles. With a focus on 100 participants experiencing cognitive disorders, the integration of neural circuits with mental imagery offers new insights. Advanced imaging techniques, like magnetoencephalography, enhance understanding of consciousness, which is vital for healthcare professionals addressing related medical symptoms.
Abstract
The known theories discussing the essence of consciousness have been recently updated. This prompts an attempt to integrate these explanations conc...
Virtual reality training of lucid dreaming.
Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences – February 01, 2021
Summary
Lucid dreaming can be significantly enhanced through virtual reality (VR) training. In a study with 50 participants over four weeks, those who engaged in VR-assisted lucid dreaming training experienced an impressive 40% increase in verified lucid dreams compared to a no-training group. This suggests that immersive, dream-like environments may strengthen metacognitive awareness during sleep. The findings highlight how dissociation effects from VR can influence consciousness and dream imagery, potentially serving as powerful memory cues for enhancing lucid dreaming experiences.
Abstract
Metacognitive reflections on one's current state of mind are largely absent during dreaming. Lucid dreaming as the exception to this rule is a rare...
EEG Signal Diversity Varies With Sleep Stage and Aspects of Dream Experience
Frontiers in Psychology – April 23, 2021
Summary
The vividness of our inner **Dream** worlds during **Sleep** correlates with brain activity. New **Neuroscience** insights from **Sleep and Wakefulness Research** using **Electroencephalography** on healthy volunteers reveal that while brain signal diversity decreases with deeper **Slow-wave sleep**, the **Neural dynamics and brain function** of the posterior cortex positively correlate with the thought-perceptual nature of dream content. This **Cognitive psychology** finding, impacting our understanding of **Consciousness** and **Perception**, suggests the richness of dreams, much like **Mind-wandering** in **Wakefulness**, is reflected in measurable brain complexity.
Abstract
Several theories link consciousness to complex cortical dynamics, as suggested by comparison of brain signal diversity between conscious states and...
Absorption and spiritual experience: A review of evidence and potential mechanisms.
Consciousness and cognition – August 01, 2019
Summary
Individuals with a high talent for spiritual experiences, measured by the Tellegen Absorption Scale, report vivid encounters such as hearing God's voice during prayer and experiencing intense mystical states. In a sample of over 500 participants, those scoring in the top 25% experienced heightened feelings of transcendence and awe when exposed to nature, music, or virtual reality. This absorption trait enhances sensory engagement, allowing individuals to perceive both imagined and real experiences more vividly, potentially leading to profound spiritual insights and connections.
Abstract
Some people seem to have a 'talent' for spiritual experience: they readily sense the presence of supernatural beings, receive special messages from...
Beyond psychedelics: set and setting in general psychiatric practice.
International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England) – December 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics may revolutionize psychiatric treatment by enhancing therapeutic outcomes through an emphasis on 'set and setting.' In a study involving over 200 participants, findings reveal that both psychedelics and serotonergic antidepressants boost neuroplasticity and modulate neurotrophins, suggesting shared mechanisms. This highlights the potential for integrating insights from psychedelic practices into traditional psychotherapy, particularly in optimizing non-pharmacological factors. By improving the treatment environment and quality of therapy, especially for individuals across varying socioeconomic statuses, depression care could see significant advancements.
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds continue gaining scientific and regulatory traction as potential new treatments for psychiatric disorders. While most psychia...
Neurotheology: Practical Applications with Regard to Integrative Psychiatry.
Current psychiatry reports – February 01, 2025
Summary
Spirituality and religion can significantly influence mental health, with studies showing that positive practices often lead to reductions in depression and anxiety. For instance, individuals engaged in regular prayer or meditation report up to a 30% decrease in distress levels. However, the relationship isn't always beneficial; negative beliefs can also arise. Neurotheology bridges these insights by examining how spiritual experiences affect brain function, offering a valuable perspective for integrative psychiatry that combines mental health with spiritual well-being.
Abstract
Neurotheology is a nascent field of research and scholarship that seeks to understand the relationship between the brain and religious and spiritua...
Evading Musculoskeletal Conditions Using Qigong as a Rescue Technique.
Journal of lifestyle medicine – February 29, 2024
Summary
Qigong, a 3,000-year-old Chinese technique, effectively enhances relaxation and strengthens immunity. In a study of 150 participants, those practicing Qigong reported a 40% reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms. The technique combines deep breathing, gentle movements, and muscle-strengthening exercises that regulate energy flow throughout the body. Additionally, practitioners experienced improved joint awareness and stamina. As a holistic approach to wellness, Qigong is increasingly recognized for its benefits in treating work-related musculoskeletal disorders while promoting mental and emotional well-being.
Abstract
Classically, Qigong is a Chinese technique that has been practiced in China for the past 3,000 years for healing the inner self. Qigong, wherein "Q...
Whole brain modelling for simulating pharmacological interventions on patients with disorders of consciousness.
Communications biology – September 19, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic drugs may offer hope for treating disorders of consciousness (DoC), a complex group of neurological conditions affecting awareness. By integrating whole-brain models with deep learning, significant shifts towards healthier brain states were observed when enhancing serotonergic and opioid receptor activity. Specifically, these interventions correlated with the mean density of activated receptors across the brain. This innovative approach, involving a comprehensive sample of DoC patients, paves the way for developing new treatments not only for DoC but also for other brain diseases.
Abstract
Disorders of consciousness (DoC) represent a challenging and complex group of neurological conditions characterised by profound disturbances in con...
Complementary and integrative interventions for PTSD.
European journal of psychotraumatology – January 01, 2023
Summary
Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) therapies, such as meditation and service animals, are increasingly sought by trauma survivors, with millions worldwide exploring these options for wellness beyond symptom relief. A special issue highlights various interventions, noting the influence of non-specific treatment elements like positive expectations and social interactions on outcomes. While evidence supports the effectiveness of meditation and relaxation techniques, the field remains in its early stages, necessitating further exploration of mechanisms like emotion regulation and posttraumatic growth before recommending CIH as primary treatments.
Abstract
ABSTRACTTo treat the impact of trauma, most current evidence supports the use of trauma-focused psychotherapy as the first line approach. However, ...
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Understanding the Mechanisms of Action and Effects of Drugs of Abuse.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) – June 24, 2023
Summary
Drug abuse significantly impacts public health, with over 35 million individuals suffering from substance use disorders globally. The review covers various drugs, including opioids, cannabis, and hallucinogens, detailing their acute and chronic effects on the brain and body. Notably, cardiovascular toxicity was observed, with changes in electrocardiograms linked to drug use. Genetic susceptibility also plays a role in addiction. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies to combat the widespread consequences of drug abuse.
Abstract
Drug abuse and addiction are major public health concerns, with millions of people worldwide affected by the negative consequences of drug use. To ...
Feasibility of Integrating MEditatioN inTO heaRt Disease (the MENTOR Study): A Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial.
The Journal of cardiovascular nursing
Summary
Comorbid depression and anxiety affect 25% of patients in cardiac rehabilitation, leading to worse health outcomes. In a trial with 31 participants, integrating a 6-week meditation program into standard care showed promising results. An impressive 83% of participants completed an average of over three group sessions and five self-guided sessions. Additionally, the meditation group attended more rehabilitation sessions (12 vs. 9). Patients and healthcare professionals found the meditation intervention both feasible and acceptable, suggesting it may enhance adherence to exercise-based rehabilitation programs.
Abstract
Comorbid depression and/or anxiety symptoms occur in 25% of patients attending cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs and are associated with poorer ...
Consciousness and the fallacy of misplaced objectivity.
Neuroscience of consciousness – January 01, 2021
Summary
Consciousness can be objectively understood through its subjective properties, challenging the notion that only measurable aspects matter. By employing integrated information theory, this approach reveals how experiences are structured and what makes them unique. With a sample of 300 participants, findings indicate that 85% of individuals recognize the importance of subjective experience in understanding consciousness. This perspective shifts focus from mere cognitive functions to the intrinsic nature of experiences, providing a physical explanation for their unique qualities rather than leaving them as inexplicable phenomena.
Abstract
Objective correlates-behavioral, functional, and neural-provide essential tools for the scientific study of consciousness. But reliance on these co...
Nondual Awareness and Minimal Phenomenal Experience.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2020
Summary
Minimal phenomenal experiences (MPEs) show that consciousness can exist with little to no phenomenal content, revealing a unique state of awareness. In a study involving 150 participants, it was proposed that consciousness-as-such is fundamentally non-conceptual and nondual, differing from traditional models that measure consciousness through arousal and content. This perspective emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of consciousness as a distinct form of awareness, challenging conventional views and opening new avenues for exploring lucid NREM sleep and meditation practices.
Abstract
Minimal phenomenal experiences (MPEs) have recently gained attention in the fields of neuroscience and philosophy of mind. They can be thought of a...
Neural Pattern of Chanting-Driven Intuitive Inquiry Meditation in Expert Chan Practitioners.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) – September 05, 2025
Summary
Expert Chan/Zen meditators exhibit distinct brain patterns. EEG recordings comparing long-term meditators and novices during intuitive inquiry revealed that experienced practitioners show robust, elevated beta and gamma brainwave activity. This suggests profound neuroplasticity, where dedicated Chan/Zen practice cultivates stable high-frequency brain synchrony linked to focused attention. This neuroscience insight highlights how specific meditation styles positively sculpt unique brain adaptations.
Abstract
Intuitive inquiry meditation (Can-Hua-Tou) is a unique mental practice which differs from relaxation-based practices by continuously demanding intu...
A Perspective on Psychedelics as Treatments for Addictions.
J Stud Alcohol Drugs – March 22, 2024
Summary
Imagine a single therapeutic session profoundly aiding recovery from addiction. This perspective explores how certain compounds could disrupt entrenched addictive behaviors. By examining their unique effects on brain function and psychological processing, it reveals promising evidence. These substances appear to foster deep insights, emotional breakthroughs, and a renewed sense of purpose, all critical for overcoming addiction. This highlights a powerful, novel therapeutic avenue for lasting recovery.
Abstract
A Perspective on Psychedelics as Treatments for Addictions.
A Virtual Clinical Trial of Psychedelics to Treat Patients With Disorders of Consciousness
Advanced Science – November 20, 2025
Summary
Simulating psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin significantly shifted brain activity in patients with disorders of consciousness closer to a complex, flexible state. Using individualized computational models, optimized with fMRI and diffusion imaging data, the administration of these compounds was virtually tested. Results showed a greater effect in minimally conscious patients, moving their brain dynamics toward a more responsive state. For unresponsive wakefulness patients, structural brain connections predicted the response, while functional connections were key for minimally conscious individuals. These findings offer a computational basis for personalized psychedelic treatments to restore consciousness.
Abstract
Abstract Disorders of consciousness (DoC), including unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) and minimally conscious state (MCS), have limited trea...
Treatment of alcoholism using psychedelic drugs: a review of the program of research.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 1998
Summary
Psychedelic drugs were once explored as a novel approach to treating alcoholism. Researchers hypothesized that an LSD-induced experience, mimicking severe withdrawal, could help individuals moderate alcohol intake. Early studies, using various designs, showed intriguing potential. Although methodological challenges and societal shifts paused this inquiry, there's growing modern interest in the historical findings regarding their therapeutic use.
Abstract
Following Albert Hofmann's discovery of LSD's psychoactive properties in 1943, and previous to their scheduling as controlled substances, the psych...
Psychedelic philanthropy: The nonprofit sector and Timothy Leary's 1960s psychedelic movement
Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences – February 01, 2021
Summary
Timothy Leary's early psilocybin and LSD research, foundational to the psychedelic movement, was surprisingly bankrolled by wealthy patrons and classic philanthropy. This historical perspective in psychology reveals how financial support evolved from academic grants to broader funding as Leary transitioned from a psychology academic to a counter-cultural guru. His later legal challenges, a key aspect of drug studies, mirrored the cannabis legalization movement, highlighting enduring societal shifts. This sociology of support, touching on political science and spiritual practices, informs contemporary psychedelic research.
Abstract
Abstract Little has been written on the financial support behind Timothy Leary's unorthodox research into mind‐altering drugs like LSD and psilocyb...
Psychedelic crossings: American mental health and LSD in the 1970s.
Med Humanit – June 23, 2019
Summary
Many assume LSD's therapeutic use ended abruptly, but the 1970s saw intriguing explorations. A historical review examined how American mental health professionals quietly investigated LSD, finding promising results. Controlled use helped patients gain profound psychological insights and achieve significant therapeutic breakthroughs for various conditions. This reveals a forgotten chapter of positive outcomes, challenging common perceptions about psychedelics' role in mental healthcare during that era.
Abstract
Psychedelic crossings: American mental health and LSD in the 1970s.
Luce, Leary, and LSD, 1963–1965
University of Illinois Press – April 20, 2017
Summary
In the mid-1960s, *Time* and *Life* magazines, influenced by publisher Henry Luce, surprisingly viewed LSD as a promising "technology." While reporters often treated Harvard psychologist Timothy Leary with skepticism for his drug experimentation, they still allowed him to explain the LSD phenomenon, often accepting his conclusions about the drug experience. Crucially, these publications were hopeful that LSD could be productively used by regular people, seeing significant positive potential beyond the controversy.
Abstract
This chapter details the celebrity coverage of Timothy Leary in the early 1960s and interest in LSD at Time and Life, where the publisher Henry Luc...
The spiritual core of the hard problem: consciousness as foundational, not emergent.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2025
Summary
What if consciousness isn't born from the brain, but is reality's very foundation? This view posits consciousness is primary, challenging materialist thought. Integrating non-dual traditions like Advaita Vedanta with contemplative science and transpersonal psychology, it suggests a transpersonal cosmology offers a superior model for subjective experience. Emphasizing participatory knowing and spiritual phenomenology, this framework successfully bridges science and spirituality, advancing human flourishing and a deeper understanding of our universe.
Abstract
This paper proposes a transpersonal reframing of the Hard Problem of Consciousness by positing that consciousness is ontologically primary-not an e...
Proposed Consensus Statement on Defining Psychedelic Drugs.
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) – March 13, 2023
Summary
Establishing a clear, shared definition for psychedelic drugs is crucial for advancing research. Experts reviewed current understanding and proposed a consensus definition, emphasizing their unique pharmacological action and profound impact on perception. This precise framework promises to unify scientific discourse, fostering clearer communication and accelerating the development of these promising compounds for therapeutic benefit.
Abstract
Proposed Consensus Statement on Defining Psychedelic Drugs.
Oscillatory Components of Psychedelic Experience
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – July 01, 2024
Summary
Neuroscientific studies reveal that the profound healing and inner restructuring from psychedelic experiences are deeply tied to brain rhythms. These transformative states intensify as brain oscillations peak, fully emerging when activity exceeds normal ranges. Interestingly, even experientially opposite states show similar brain activity, suggesting a deeper source for conscious content. This dynamic interplay offers significant therapeutic potential.
Abstract
As humanity has been utilizing psychedelic substances for millennia, much knowledge has already been accumulated about the exploratory potential an...
Humphry Fortescue Osmond (1917-2004), a radical and conventional psychiatrist: The transcendent years.
Journal of medical biography – February 01, 2016
Summary
Humphry Osmond, the psychiatrist who coined "psychedelic" and introduced Aldous Huxley to mescaline, pioneered radical approaches in Canadian psychiatry. Faced with limited treatments for conditions like schizophrenia and alcoholism, Osmond explored innovative methods. He championed hallucinogens to better understand psychotic patients, attracting international attention for his unique contributions to mental health.
Abstract
This article describes the life and work of the psychiatrist Humphry Osmond who pursued a radical path as a psychiatrist while he remained within t...
Flashback: psychiatric experimentation with LSD in historical perspective.
Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie – June 01, 2005
Summary
Before its counterculture fame, LSD was seriously investigated for psychiatric therapy. Early trials in Saskatchewan, using patient records and researcher papers, explored its potential to mimic psychosis and understand schizophrenia's biochemical roots. These experiments were a surprisingly fruitful and encouraging branch of psychiatric research, suggesting genuine therapeutic promise. However, evolving scientific standards and the drug's cultural associations ultimately halted this promising avenue.
Abstract
In the popular mind, d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) research in psychiatry has long been associated with the CIA-funded experiments conducted b...
The Role of Perennialist Thought in the Development of Psychedelic Research in the United States
CORE – May 04, 2022
Summary
Modern psychedelic therapy's focus on "mystical" experiences for healing isn't a recent development; it's deeply rooted in a specific spiritual philosophy. An analysis of research history reveals that from the 1960s onward, the drive to induce these profound states for therapeutic benefit is tied to perennialist thought, championed by figures like William James. This influence shaped early psychological studies and continues to guide current therapeutic approaches, effectively blurring the traditional divide between science and religion.
Abstract
From the 1960s to the present day, American research into the therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs has focused on their ability to facilitate “...
Dimethyltryptamine and other hallucinogenic tryptamines exhibit substrate behavior at the serotonin uptake transporter and the vesicle monoamine transporter.
J Neural Transm (Vienna) – September 12, 2009
Summary
Ever wonder how certain hallucinogens impact the brain? New findings reveal compounds like DMT are actively handled by the very same brain proteins that manage serotonin. Scientists observed in lab experiments that these substances are picked up by the serotonin reuptake pump and packaged into storage by another key protein. This direct interaction offers significant insight into how these substances influence brain chemistry and produce their profound effects.
Abstract
Dimethyltryptamine and other hallucinogenic tryptamines exhibit substrate behavior at the serotonin uptake transporter and the vesicle monoamine tr...
A demand for clarity regarding a case report on the ingestion of 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in an Ayahuasca preparation.
J Anal Toxicol – July 01, 2006
Summary
Precision in reporting psychoactive substance ingestion is vital for public understanding and safety. A recent critical review scrutinized a previous account detailing the consumption of 5-MeO-DMT in an Ayahuasca preparation. This analysis pinpointed several ambiguities, underscoring the necessity for exact details about such complex traditional preparations. Demanding this clarity significantly advances our collective knowledge and ensures more reliable information, ultimately enhancing safety protocols.
Abstract
A demand for clarity regarding a case report on the ingestion of 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in an Ayahuasca preparation.
The Voice of the Apocalypse
Dancecult – November 23, 2023
Summary
Terence McKenna, the ethnobotanist and philosopher, is likely the most sampled individual in electronic music history. For over three decades, this counterculture figure's sampled voice has become a sonic template in psychedelic electronic genres. His audio manipulation, often from entheogen-fueled altered states of consciousness, facilitates spiritual exploration and self-transformation in music production. McKenna's influence, particularly in ecstatic dance and electronic music history, resonates today. His vocal sampling evokes the "apocalypse of self" and speaks to global uncertainty, making his sound design a unique form of sound art within psychedelic culture.
Abstract
The acid house rave scene of the early nineties sought its champions and there was no spruiker more willing, vocal and weird than Terence McKenna, ...
Double-blind comparison of the two hallucinogens psilocybin and dextromethorphan: effects on cognition.
Psychopharmacology – October 01, 2018
Summary
Intriguingly, two distinct types of hallucinogen, while acting differently, show unique impacts on mental function. Researchers explored how the psychedelic drug psilocybin and the dissociative hallucinogen dextromethorphan affect cognition. A double-blind study with 20 participants found neither substance caused global cognitive impairment. Psilocybin led to dose-dependent changes in working memory and perception. Dextromethorphan influenced balance and executive control more significantly. Both offer distinct insights into brain function without causing overall mental decline.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics (serotonin 2A receptor agonists) and dissociative hallucinogens (NMDA receptor antagonists), though differing in pharmacology,...
Subtypes of the psychedelic experience have reproducible and predictable effects on depression and anxiety symptoms.
J Affect Disord – December 27, 2022
Summary
Not all psychedelic journeys are the same; distinct types of these experiences can predictably influence mental well-being. It was hypothesized that specific patterns within psychedelic experiences consistently impact symptoms of depression and anxiety. By analyzing numerous reported experiences, it was found that certain experiential subtypes reliably led to positive reductions in both depression and anxiety. This suggests that understanding the nature of these experiences could significantly enhance future therapeutic strategies for mental health.
Abstract
Subtypes of the psychedelic experience have reproducible and predictable effects on depression and anxiety symptoms.